Keio Plaza Hotel Hinamatsuri 2017
Hinamatsuri 2017 was good. Do you know the event? Doll’s Day is another name for it. Japan celebrates it on March 3. Families pray for their daughter’s health, prosperity, and happiness. For the event, families display a set of Hina dolls. It’s a great cultural tradition. Photographers love it too.
As I’d never taken pictures of this event, I thought I better do so. But, one particular day, I had a job interview, which limited my time. I was in a quandary. Where could I go with the time I had? As I was near Shinjuku, the Keio Plaza Hotel was the first place that popped into my mind. I had heard it put on a great display.
After the interview, I went to the Keio Plaza Hotel. Iucked out. There was a complete set. The Emperor and Empress, their musicians, and the court held a prominent place in the lobby. Around them was an enormous frame with thousands of Hinamatsuri dolls suspended from strings. It was like a kaleidoscope of colors.
There weren’t the only characters from the Emperor’s court. Some were from the Chinese Zodiac and a few Japanese fairy tales. If you are interested in Girl’s Day dolls or dolls in general, you need to see them.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to see everything at the hotel for Hinamatsuri 2017. Apparently, there were smaller displays in different areas. Guests at the hotel surely enjoyed walking through the lobby. Leave your questions and comments below.
Hinamatsuri 2017 photo camera gear:
Camera body: Pentax K-3
Lens: SMC DA 18 – 135 mm f/3.5 – 5.6 ED AL (If) DC WR
What are Hina dolls?
You can read about them in detail on the Kyoto National Museum website. Shigeki Kawakami from the Department of Applied Arts has written a splendid article.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. His camera will capture the entire city one day.
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